Effects of UBE3A on Cell and Liver Metabolism through the Ubiquitination of PDHA1 and ACAT1

Targeting ACAT1 in cancer: from threat to treatment

Altered cholesterol metabolism has been identified as a critical feature of cancers. Cholesterol functions as the main component of cell membrane, cholesterol and is required for sustaining membrane integrity and mediating signaling transduction for cell survival. The intracellular level of cholesterol is dynamically regulated. Excessive cholesterol could be converted to less toxic cholesteryl esters by acyl-coenzyme A:cholesterol acyltransferases (ACATs). While ACAT2 has limited value in cancers, ACAT1 has been found to be widely participated in tumor initiation and progression. Moreover, due to the important role of cholesterol metabolism in immune function, ACAT1 is also essential for regulating anti-tumor immunity. ACAT1 inhibition may be exploited as a potential strategy to enhance the anti-tumor immunity and eliminate tumors. Herein, a comprehensive understanding of the role of ACAT1 in tumor development and anti-tumor immunity may provide new insights for anti-tumor strategies.

The effect of lipid metabolism on cuproptosis-inducing cancer therapy

Cuproptosis provides a new therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment and is thought to have broad clinical application prospects. Nevertheless, some oncological clinical trials have yet to demonstrate favorable outcomes, highlighting the need for further research into the molecular mechanisms underlying cuproptosis in tumors. Cuproptosis primarily hinges on the intracellular accumulation of copper, with lipid metabolism exerting a profound influence on its course. The interaction between copper metabolism and lipid metabolism is closely related to cuproptosis. Copper imbalance can affect mitochondrial respiration and lipid metabolism changes, while lipid accumulation can promote copper uptake and absorption, and inhibit cuproptosis induced by copper. Anomalies in lipid metabolism can disrupt copper homeostasis within cells, potentially triggering cuproptosis. The interaction between cuproptosis and lipid metabolism regulates the occurrence, development, metastasis, chemotherapy drug resistance, and tumor immunity of cancer. Cuproptosis is a promising new target for cancer treatment. However, the influence of lipid metabolism and other factors should be taken into consideration. This review provides a brief overview of the characteristics of the interaction between cuproptosis and lipid metabolism in cancer and analyses potential strategies of applying cuproptosis for cancer treatment.